EFILive Indiana Powertour 2014

EFILive Powertour

I was told by industry leaders the first Hot Rod Power Tour only had 6 cars the first year and now hosts over 490. That was about what we started with and the only difference is our trucks hold more people so we had a nice little crowd of people. I imagine the deluge of rain and tornadoes might have had something to do with people coming but many regretted it after they heard what we experienced.

A BIG thank you goes out to South Bend Clutch, Haisley Machine and Firestone Ride Rite for their hospitality.

This was the first ever Powertour for the diesel industry which started with the first stop at South Bend Clutch in South Bend Indiana. Two days of travel before the original “Thunder in Muncie” which originated in 2001 as the first “diesel only” event in the country.

What is more fitting than to be the first Powertour with the first event for diesels? Sponsored by EFILive, a tuning company for the diesel industry, the tour started with a tour of the facilities at South Bend Clutch. Watching and seeing how they manufacture the best clutches for diesel truck sled pulling was not only educational but the passion that the workers demonstrated was inspiring.

South Bend Clutch served us a traditional Polish lunch with sausage and sweet cabbage along with many sides. Visiting with the workers at SBC was enlightening as to the wide range of vehicles they produce clutches, everything from diesel trucks to tractors to sport compacts.

Leaving there we proceeded to Haisleys Machine in Fairmount Indiana, the trip took us about 3 hrs. Once we got to Haisleys Machine the owner Patty and Van Haisley showed us their new shop and the many improvements they are adding to the business. Haisleys Machine produces some of the best winning trucks for sled pulling in the country. After enjoying some grilled burgers and brats with compliment sides at Haisleys we stayed the night in Muncie so we could get a fresh start in the morning to our last destination for Firestone/Ride Rite in Fischer, Indiana.

Friday morning found us making just an hour trip down to Firestone Industrial Division for Ride Rite Air-Bag Suspension in Fischer. After getting lost in a quarter mile of the location by a dysfunctional direction leader we were met by the Sales Manager Paul Fessel at the door. We were greeted by the entire staff including the engineers that design the air bags before proceeding on the tour of the research facility.

After being served some of the best BBQ I have had in Indianapolis area we then proceeded to the Muncie Dragway to start the Flowmaster Series Drag Race for Haisleys Machine Thunder in Muncie.

Overall it was a blast seeing the companies and visiting with the diesel enthusiasts who decided to make the trip, a very successful first EFILive Diesel Motorsports Powertour.